Lungwort, also know as Pulmonaria officinalis, is a lovely perennial that will grow in semi-shade. This plant is part of the "doctrine of signatures". This was an era of medicine developed during the European Renaissance (1550ish) where the medicinal uses of the plants were determined by the shape of the leaf (like violet leaves as hearts ease). Religious leaders taught that God provided visual cues to the uses of the plants. This plant had the shape of a lung and the spots indicated pulmonary issues, hence the name lungwort for this herb. There are many others - such as Bloodroot, which drips a red substance in the root or Eyebright whose flower resembles an eye and eyelash.
In tracheitis and tracheobronchitis, chronic bronchitis, asthma, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, bedwetting. Externally - for eczema, for lavement of wounds.
ReplyDeleteHerbs from the garden are always intriguing and so much to learn. Thanks for the education.
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